Published in 2015 by Solaris Books, with a nice new paperback edition released in 2022, Signal to Noise was Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s debut novel, an intriguing tale of music, magic and the recklessness of youth that introduced the world to her genre-swapping talents. In Mexico City in the late 80s, three school friends – Meche, Sebastian and Daniela – learn how to cast spells by listening to vinyl records, using their newfound power to get the things any teenager wants: money, attention, love, freedom. Twenty years later, Meche returns to Mexico City for the funeral of her absent father, and finds herself reliving those early years, and the inevitable pain that came as a result of her dabbling in power she didn’t understand.
Music unquestionably has a magic of its own, and arguably even more so on vinyl, so the idea of listening to records in order to cast spells is somehow entirely believable. Having said that, in this case the magic, while important to the plot, isn’t actually explored in all that much detail. The characters themselves don’t fully understand what they’re doing or how it works – even Meche, as the ringleader of their little outcast gang, only grasps the very basics – and that just makes it more interesting. The focus is on what drives them to try and cast their spells, and the impact of all this magic on their friendship. Put the spells aside and what you have is a story about friendship and family, the secrets that people keep from each other, and the cracks that widen in between as a result.
The central trio of characters are believable and – at least for those of us who weren’t part of the in crowd back in school – relatable, pulled together by convenience as much as anything, a little uncomfortable in each other’s presence but at the same time deeply bonded. Their story is not really a happy one, especially in Meche’s case, but it’s fascinating nonetheless, and Moreno-Garcia’s use of alternating timelines (switching between ‘88 and ‘08) is an effective way of keeping the plot moving while asking questions, and retaining a little mystery for as long as possible. All three characters get some time in the spotlight for the 80s sections, but really this is Meche’s story, and she provides the sole viewpoint during the ‘08 sections – grown up, but still holding onto her pain from so long ago.
If there’s a criticism, it’s perhaps that some character decisions – particularly towards the end – feel a bit telegraphed, and a bit obvious. Nothing problematic, just a sense that things are taking the expected route. That notwithstanding though, this is a typically thoughtful, compelling fantasy novel – and a remarkable debut – from an author who consistently delivers the goods. Reading it now, already familiar with Moreno-Garcia’s later work, it’s interesting to see sort of reverse echoes of later books: from character archetypes and a beautiful, natural approach to setting stories in Mexico (i.e. not belabouring the point), to the importance of music, and the incorporation of speculative elements which add interest without detracting from the plot. While this perhaps doesn’t feel quite as polished and sophisticated as some of her later work, it’s nevertheless full of magic (both literal and literary) and fascinating, memorable characters.
See also: all of the Silvia Moreno-Garcia reviews on Track of Words
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